Albany, NY – State Senator Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) announced that legislation they sponsor has passed the State Legislature with broad bipartisan support. The legislation extends application deadlines for property tax abatement programs to accommodate uncertainty and delays due to the pandemic.

The New York City Department of Finance offers events and workshop opportunities in partnership with elected officials and community based organizations where individuals receive one-on-one attention resolving applications. During the pandemic, these were cancelled for public safety reasons. Given the myriad of factors during these extraordinary times, a deadline extension is warranted. 

“These property tax abatement programs provide a stable safeguard for our hardworking families, seniors and homeowners at a time when many are still struggling to keep their heads above water,” said Senator Comrie. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have largely lost the ability to provide the necessary, in-person assistance that is often needed to complete the applications for these programs. Assemblywoman Rozic, our legislative leaders and colleagues, and I are working to ensure that all New Yorkers have an extended opportunity to apply and recertify for these programs.”

“Filling out real property tax abatement application and renewal documents can be a complex and arduous process,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “With the continued impact of the pandemic, the workshops and support networks that homeowners often rely on to file for property tax abatement programs were diminished or cancelled, making it exceedingly difficult to apply for abatements. This legislation gives localities the option to extend property tax abatement application deadlines to July 15th to allow qualifying New Yorkers the time necessary to apply.”

New York City Department of Finance Commissioner Sherif Soliman said: “The Department of Finance has always focused on a multi-faceted approach to facilitate enrollment for New Yorkers in property tax exemption and abatement programs. As we continue our focus on a full recovery for all of us, this legislation would help those who may have missed application deadlines due to the pandemic access exemptions and abatements to which they are entitled.I thank Assemblymember Rozic and Senator Comrie for championing this legislation.”

The legislation applies statewide giving localities the option to participate. Similar legislation passed into law in 2020.